10 Questions with Roy Elghanayan

Roy Elghanayan runs Krav Maga L.A. (website) and is an extraordinary martial artist.  His unquestionable skill can be seen by his very popular YouTube video (viewable below) [Currently over 2 million hits!].  The crisp and practical application of his techniques make his videos (and his instruction) a clear example/direction to aspire to.  Roy even makes an unlikely variation of a flying armbar look practical (well, maybe for him!)  For more information on Roy’s teachings, workshops, etc, please click the above image.

[Photography credit to: Cassandra Plavoukos]

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What events brought you to where you are now (teaching Krav Maga)?

I have been doing Krav Maga for most of my life.  It’s my passion and my achievements throughout my career that brought me to teach Krav Maga.

How have other martial arts complimented your Krav Maga (or vice versa)?

Other martial arts that I have practiced with in the past have helped in Krav Maga.  (An example would be in my take downs)

Do you have a specific diet?

I only eat Kosher protein

What is your training regime like?

My training regime is different every month.  For example for April: Mondays and Wednesdays I run for at least 10 miles , after the run I stretch out my legs for about 15 minutes, and I work on the punching bags for about 20 min. On Tuesdays and Thursdays I hit the weights and for at least an hour I work on different Krav Maga and Israel Defense Forces (IDF) drills.  I also participate in different parts of my students workouts to motivate, push, and inspire them.  Whatever it takes to keep them going from white belt to black belt classes.   I also try to sleep for at least 6 hours a night so my body can recover.

What is your opinion about meditation and do you implement it in your training?

I believe there are many ways of meditation.  My meditation is to kick or punch something as hard as I can or spar for 20 rounds.  It is a great stress reliever!

What is your favorite thing about teaching?

Seeing the results in my students as they grow confident and develop self-defense and fighting skills that changes their life.  All thanks to hard training, endurance, and putting trust in their Sensei.

What is your least favorite thing about teaching?

There is no such thing for me.  I love teaching Krav Maga

Krav Maga is a tough martial art. Have you had any serious injuries in your career so far?

 Just like any fighter I have had a few injuries, but nothing too serious.

How does Roy spend his time when he is not training or teaching martial arts?
I enjoy the beach, BBQ , playing the guitar, and hanging with the guys (and the ladies).

What is one thing about Roy Elghanayan, that most people don’t know?
One thing that most people don’t know and would really like to know about me is my age.  They assume that because of my knowledge, achievements, and because of my looks I am a lot older that what I actually am.  A lesson to learn from this don’t ever judge your opponent for their looks because looks can be deceiving.

BONUS QUESTION

If you could test your skills against any athlete in the world, whom would it be?

Bruce Lee.

THE ABOVE-MENTIONED YOUTUBE VIDEO